The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
—  1 Samuel 16:7

Thought Of The Day...
God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. The current king, Saul, had failed to obey and honor God, so God decided to announce his choice of the next king.
Jesse’s sons became the focus of Samuel’s attention: a line of seven young men—starting with the oldest and tallest. Samuel made his way down the line, and as he stopped to look at each one, God told him that was not the one. Saul had been chosen king partly because he was tall and handsome, but this time God made a point of saying that height and appearance don’t matter. God looks at what is inside—in the heart.
After Samuel reached the end of the line of Jesse’s sons, Jesse informed him that his youngest son, David, was out in the fields tending sheep. David was chosen to be the next king because, as Samuel put it, God “sought out a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). God saw in David a heart that would commit to him without reservation.
God finds possibilities for grace in the most unlikely of people. To choose the youngest son to be a king seems strange. To say that a baby born in a stable, who dies on a cross under a false sentence of treason, is the Savior of the world and God in the flesh is incredible. But the mystery of Advent is that this is how God works—with the least, the weak, and the foolish. God likes to surprise us.

Prayer...
Gracious and loving Father, We come before you today with humble hearts, recognizing our weaknesses and foolishness. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that you can use us, just as you used David in 1 Samuel 16:7, to spread your grace and shine your light in this world.

Help us to see ourselves and others through your eyes, not focusing on outward appearances or worldly standards, but looking at the heart. For it is the heart that truly matters and holds the potential for great things in your hands.

Guide us in our thoughts, words, and actions, that we may reflect your love and grace to those around us. Give us the courage to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or unworthy, knowing that you are with us and will equip us for the task ahead.

May your presence be with us always, molding us into vessels of your grace and love. And may we follow in the footsteps of David, using our strengths and weaknesses for your glory and the betterment of your kingdom.

We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!